"A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work expereince, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals may not provide legal services directed to the public except as permitted by law."

- American Bar Association

Career options for trained paralegals are continuing to expand. Paralegals are trained as legal professionals who can perform substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys. While paralegals cannot give legal advice, set fees, negotiate or represent clients in court, they are an integral part of the legal community.

Miami Dade College offers a Paralegal
Studies Program which has a celebrated reputation throughout the
legal community. After graduation, those who desire may apply to
transfer to a university to complete a four-year degree.

The program is an Associate of
Science Degree which requires completion of eighteen credits in
general education courses and forty-six credits in the paralegal
studies
major. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates for
entry-level positions as paralegals. Courses include a theoretical
foundation in the law and assignments involve a practical
application of the skills paralegals execute in the workplace.

The program is for anyone who wants
to work in the legal field. The student body is diverse. Most
students work full-time. Some students have prior college
experience whereas others have already completed a degree. Many
students work in the field and are simply upgrading their skills.
Others enroll to change careers or to explore an interest in law
school.

LAW CENTER DIRECTOR'S WELCOME

Welcome to the Law Center's Paralegal Studies Program at Miami Dade College. The Associate of Science Degree you earn here provides the credentials for a fulfilling career in a field that is in demand and your credits will also transfer to other approved institutions if that is your academic goal.

As the largest college in the nation, Miami Dade College is justifiably proud of its impressive academic reputation, high-value education and personal-sized classes taught by professors who are highly respected attorneys, judges and members of the legal community.

Courses offered by the Law Center equip paralegal professionals to work with attorneys, other paralegals, court personnel, clients and third parties to handle a wide array of transactions and situations.

In attending the country's most diverse college, you will study with students from throughout the United States and around the world. The academic program you follow here meets high standards of accountability and is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the American Association for Paralegal Education and the American Bar Association.

Recognition from associations such as these further enhances the prestige of your Miami Dade College Degree and increases opportunities for rewarding work as a paralegal. Please visit our site, then arrange to visit our department on the Wolfson Campus. We look forward to seeing you.